Adult Bible Studies Spring 2017 Student [Large Print]

Book excerpt: Spring theme: God Loves Us Psalms | Joel | Jonah | John | Romans | Ephesians | 1 John This spring, lessons in Adult Bible Studies follow the theme, "God Loves Us." God's love for us is evident in Scripture from the creation of the first humans through God's constant interactions with individuals and groups of people in their historical circumstances and developments. A survey of select Old and New Testament Scriptures reveals dynamic and encouraging aspects of God’s constant love for humankind God's Eternal, Preserving, Renewing Love Four lessons from First John, Ephesians, John, and Joel depict God's love for humans as primary and as the source of all love. These lessons show that God's love overflows, redeems, unites, and renews. The first lesson depicts God as love and the source of all love. The second lesson concentrates on God's redemptive, overflowing, and uniting love in Christ. The third lesson comes from Christ's high priestly prayer to God describing God's love for Jesus and all who believe in Christ. The fourth lesson shows the ultimate restoring and renewing power of God's love. God's Caring, Saving, and Upholding Love The second unit offers five lessons drawn from Psalms, John, and Romans and revealing God as protector, preserver, healer, comforter, and savior of the people. The first lesson reveals total reliance on God as shepherd who cares for every need of the sheep. The second lesson reveals God's love in sending God's only Son for human salvation. The third lesson recounts the Resurrection event in which God's love is displayed as victory over death. The fourth lesson elaborates on the force and power of God's love in Christ to reconcile, justify, and preserve the believer. The final lesson in this unit focuses on Jesus' words describing himself in the role of the Good Shepherd. God's Pervasive and Sustaining Love Four lessons from the Book of Jonah highlight God's unconditional love for humans and the natural world, as well as God's continuing care and concern for individual and group relationships and developments. The first lesson concentrates on God's care for the natural world and humanity. The second lesson focuses on God's providential care in preserving Jonah in the belly of the fish. The third lesson focuses on God's love and preservation of a nation of people who repent and turn to God. The fourth lesson depicts and elaborates on God's pervasive love for all creation. Hundreds of thousands of students and teachers use Adult Bible Studies each week in Sunday school classes, mid-week Bible studies, and other small group settings. Bible-based and Christ-focused, it is an approved resource by the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. It is published quarterly. Each week's lesson features: A purpose statement offering focus and direction for the lesson. Printed biblical text from The Common English Bible. Reliable and relevant biblical explanation and application A closing prayer, guiding personal commitment. Free Extras! All found at adultbiblestudies.com Supplemental Resources Free supplemental resources related to each lesson enhance teacher preparation and small group participation. Current Events Supplement The free Current Events Supplement offers a way to connect each week’s lesson to a timely event or topic in the news. The supplements can enhance all resources using the Uniform Series. Register for the Forums at adultbiblestudies.com Bold, and you can post and read comments about the lessons from other readers.